By Milton Grannum
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill yesterday vowed again that the government will bring order to heavy-duty trucks breaking up community roads and damaging homes and said that 200 clamps had been acquired for the process.
Roadworks currently underway between Duncan Street and Sawpit Turn in Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, have led to serious safety concerns among residents, following a deep excavation that was left unfilled, causing a significant section of the road to collapse.
In response to the concerns raised by residents, the Ministry of Public Works held a community engagement event yesterday at the recently collapsed Stanleytown Bridge. Edghill assured residents that the situation would be addressed.
“We had some failures, but initial interventions were made to get the section fixed. The contractor is working to a particular level, and the main contractor for the entire corridor will take over and ensure this section is properly restored,” Edghill stated.
Despite the efforts to address the collapse and the construction of the new bridge, residents reported issues, particularly with heavy trucks passing through narrow streets. The impact has included road damage and cracks in homes. One resident expressed frustration, saying, “All in front of me are big holes because these Sino trucks keep passing, rocking my old house. You can’t sleep at night with the noise.”
Edghill responded by confirming that the government is taking action to regulate truck operations in residential areas.
“The president has instructed that the Prime Minister chair a committee, where we will address the trucking issues in communities. Measures, including the impounding of non-compliant trucks, along with clamping and halting, will be put in place. Some trucks are also entering communities with heavy materials, making the trucks even heavier. We will have to let them come out of the truck and scoop it out,” he said.
He also adverted to the acquisition of 200 clamps for trucks.
It was also revealed that the new four-lane Stanleytown Bridge which will be constructed by Gaico Construction and General Services Inc, will have a load capacity of 250 tons and the construction of the new bridge will begin soon, with the commencement letter for the project expected to be issued today. Once issued, work is expected to begin within seven days. Residents were also assured that the current temporary bridge would remain in use until the new bridge is completed, ensuring no interruption to traffic flow.
Regarding the relocation of nearby vendors and businesses due to the construction, Edghill emphasized that the move would be managed in a way that ensures businesses can continue operating
“Some of the people will have to be relocated, but it is not to stop their economic viability. We are giving them the opportunity to vend in better environments,” he explained.
As the construction progresses, residents have been encouraged to monitor the progress of both the roadworks and the bridge project. Edghill confirmed that a bill of quantities for both projects will be shared with Neighbour-hood Democratic Councils (NDCs), allowing residents to track the progress and hold contractors accountable for timely and quality work.
